Weekend opening outside the points in Catalonia

The FIA Formula 2 Championship kicked off its fifth round of the season at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, which today saw the drivers of the junior category compete in the Sprint Race. On the undulating Iberian track, Trident Motorsport's weekend began with Laurens Van Hoepen posting the fastest time in free practice. The Dutch driver was poised to repeat his performance in qualifying, but his decisive lap was interrupted by the interruption of the session due to a rival's exit.

From a pole position contender, Laurens Van Hoepen became the twelfth-fastest driver, while John Bennett posted the eighteenth fastest time.

At the start of the Sprint Race, Laurens Van Hoepen immediately lost several positions, moving away from the points. Subsequently, an off-course into the sand of the run-off areas dropped the Dutch driver to the back of the field.

John Bennett drove a hard-fought race just outside the points, finishing thirteenth.

The Trident Motorsport technical staff will now use the data collected from today's race in their usual preparations for the Feature Race, scheduled for tomorrow at 11:25 a.m.

Giacomo Ricci: "The interruption of qualifying deprived Laurens Van Hoepen of any chance of finishing among the top positions and approaching the two races in Catalunya with a better outlook. The Dutchman lost a few positions at the start of today's race, before losing further time due to an excursion into the sand. John Bennett drove a well-fought Sprint Race just outside the points. We will now try to squeeze the most out of tomorrow's Feature Race, where the expected very high outside temperatures could impact tyre degradation and strategies."